Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.The Department of Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) supports countries in prevention and control of high threat diseases of pandemic & epidemic potential through forecasting, characterization of diseases /infectious risks and development of evidence-based strategies to manage infectious hazards.The Unit of Influenza Preparedness and Response (IPR) develops strategies, guidance, global mechanisms and interventions to address influenza, including seasonal, zoonotic and pandemic influenza, and extend existing influenza resources e.g. GISRS for use of other respiratory pathogens, including RSV, of public health significance.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities\:

1. Conduct a mid-term review of progress of RSV surveillance in pilot countries. This includes analyzing the sensitivity of various elements of RSV surveillance strategy and practicality of using the GISRS influenza platform.

2. Based on the above review, finalize any recommendations to improve the existing RSV surveillance strategy, and introduce the revisions into ongoing surveillance in pilot countries, taking into consideration the needs from RSV vaccine development and introduction in countries.

3. Develop a sustainability strategy for RSV surveillance after the pilot phase ends. This includes the optimal sizes, additional associated costs and corresponding strategies in various settings in collaboration with GISRS laboratories, national surveillance systems and RSV experts on both surveillance and R&D.

4. Serve as point of contact for all pilot countries of RSV surveillance, provide technical support and engage experts from inside WHO and the external community to ensure smooth completion of RSV surveillance pilot.

5. Establish a functional RSV surveillance reporting platform based on the existing influenza platforms through coordination with IT, data support and influenza surveillance teams. Build in the platform outputs of analysis of surveillance findings from pilot countries.

6. Develop final RSV surveillance project report and other reports including potential publications in peer reviewed journals.

7. Provide technical support to strengthening influenza surveillance in particular at sentinel levels for mid- and long- term development of GISRS and its use for pathogens beyond influenza.

8. Support the establishment and functioning of an advisory expert group on RSV surveillance.

9. Liaise with other entities including the groups of RSV vaccine development and burden studies inside and outside of WHO, as well as donor agencies; and

10. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: - Advanced level university degree (Masters level or above) in public health, medicine, microbiology or related field.
Desirable\: - Post-graduate training with focus on infectious disease surveillance or related field.

Experience

Essential\: - At least 7 years of combined national and international experience at a senior managerial or scientific level in major programmes or activities related to epidemiology, laboratory or public health in the area of surveillance of infectious diseases.

- At least 5 years of experience on influenza and/or RSV surveillance, including 3 years at global or regional levels.
Desirable\: - Proven experience in managing international projects.

- Proven experience in use of evidence for development of guidelines and policy.

- Documented experience of development of research projects, programmes and policies.

- Experience in WHO to have an understanding of its mandate, goals and practices as related to the work or experience in UN or an international institution in similar functions.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of surveillance of RSV and influenza at both national and global levels, complemented by a sound knowledge of infectious diseases epidemiology and surveillance with emphasis on vaccine preventable diseases.

In-depth understanding of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).Excellent organizational and analytical skills, complemented by interpersonal and presentation skills. Tact, discretion and diplomacy.

Ability to produce results under pressure.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of UN Language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 71,332 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4964 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.